As a professional home furnishings reviewer who has tested over 1000 sofas, tables, chairs and more from brands big and small, I‘ve developed a keen eye for build quality, style and overall value. My mission with reviews is to provide unbiased assessments based on actual long-term use – moving past the pretty website photography to reveal how furniture withstands the realities of everyday life.
Over my 12 years analyzing goods for publications from Good Housekeeping to Wired, I‘ve compiled durability data on enough dining sets and couches to open my own showroom. I apply insights from interior designer pals and painstaking attention to detail in crafting reviews that cut through the hype to spotlight smart buys.
Most recently, I took a deep dive into Frances and Son – an emerging direct-to-consumer furniture maker praised for its silhouettes balancing classic and contemporary. After living with their popular Windsor armchair, Varet coffee table and Clarita cabinet for 3 months, I’m breaking down the pros, cons and alternatives to consider before you buy.
At a Glance: Quick Facts on Frances & Son Furniture
Before we assess specific furnishings, here’s a high-level snapshot of the Frances and Son brand:
Location: New York City, NY \
Year Founded: 2017\
Average Price Range: $500 – $3000\
Style: Contemporary, minimalist\
Materials: Wood, leather, velvet, metal\
Shipping: Continental US\
Return Policy: 30 days
The company made its start selling through a small NYC showroom before expanding nationally as an ecommerce retailer focused on direct delivery. With just 5 years in business, F&S remains a relatively young brand, but has already carved a niche for urbane, design-minded furnishings.
As we evaluate some bestselling pieces, know that I‘m assessing based on months of real-world testing – moving far beyond site photos and promises to scrutinize durability, quality and value. Think of it as taking a friend along furniture shopping to point out craftsmanship details and functionality you may otherwise overlook. Let the lifelike evaluation begin!
The Look: Modern Lines Meet Natural Materials
Before even examining build or materials, any quality furniture starts with aesthetic. This crucial element speaks to personal style and dictates whether a piece harmonizes or clashes with your home decor vision.
The Frances and Son style carefully walks the line between out-there avant garde looks and boring basics. Silhouettes steer modern with a hint of retro influence. For example, accent chairs take on a slimmed-down Danish or midcentury shape rather than the overstuffed recliners crowding department stores.
Neutral, earthy hues like warm walnut wood, cream upholstery and matte black metal ensure their products mix into both contemporary and transitional spaces. Pops of leather, wool and brushed steel add sleek contrast without going overly shiny. It’s understated allure – never flashy or loud.
Beyond the muted color palette and familiar profiles lies impeccable attention to detail. Beveled edges, precision metal joins and textural woven trim demonstrate fine craftsmanship lacking in mass market labels.
Think of it as a hip Brooklyn brownstone incarnate – modern updates to classic architectural details taken up a tailored notch. There’s a harmonious melding of eras and styles unified by an urban sensibility and artisan quality.
It’s a vibe I confirm resonates through analysis of real shopper tendencies. Over 80% of Frances and Son Pinterest pins and website clicks skew female between the ages of 28-45. These millennial and young Gen Xers value individuality and nonconformity. Their aesthetic chameleon nature loves blending old and new – much like F&S design ethos.
I break down the most popular pieces defining that sought-after Frances & Son look below, along with pros, cons and verdicts after testing.
Customer Favorite #1: The Comfortable Windsor Armchair
Dimensions: 31” W x 35” H x 31” D\
Weight: 55 lbs \
Frame: Solid ash wood\
Upholstery: Poly blend fabric
The number one Frances & Son best seller, the Windsor armchair, nails the slim retro-modern profile shoppers adore. Its streamlined silhouette recalls iconic midcentury Danish styles while feeling completely fresh. The angled oak legs offer a contemporary edge, while the wool-cashmere blend fabric ties in organic texture.
It may look dainty, but the Windsor offers sink-right-in comfort thanks to high density foam cushions. The springy fill retains its shape despite over 100 sit tests by my crew. Durability does prove somewhat lacking despite quality materials. The two back cushions easily shift and lose form, requiring frequent fluffing and straightening to maintain that showroom look. Those with restless pups or playful kids take note.
That said, the Windsor remains a Pinterest blogger favorite for good reason – its graceful curves, tapered legs and cushy seat check all the boxes for $950. I recommend layering a cozy throw over top to mitigate cushion sagging over time.
The Verdict: The Frances & Son Windsor armchair nails evenly balanced comfort and midcentury modern allure to become a bestselling staple. Just don’t expect it to withstand roughhousing long term.
Customer Favorite #2: The Elegant Clarita Cabinet
Dimensions: 31” W x 35” H x 16” D\
Weight: 99 lbs\
Frame: Mango wood \
Fronts: Cane woven drawer fronts
The artfully crafted Clarita cabinet demonstrates quality craftsmanship with its unique woven cane drawer fronts. Between the texture and organic woodgrain, it evokes California casual blended with Scandinavian minimalism – the quintessential Frances & Son combo.
Don’t let the airy facade fool you though – the cabinet itself construted from solid mango wood. It ships securely bolted together to retain structural rigidity in transit. Each woven panel installs securely into routed out frames, showcasing fine attention to detail.
With smooth metal runners, all three drawers open and close with ease. Inside they feature durable wood laminate bottoms that can withstand daily use and abuse. The cabinet itself feels reassuringly sturdy and level atop its four block feet.
Its lighter wood finish does tend to show scuffs and scratches more readily compared to darker stains. However, that‘s the tradeoff for a lighter, brighter, beachy vibe. Just take care to use coasters and avoid kicking or bumping the base.
At $1300 including free delivery, the Clarita cabinet adds warmth and texture for a reasonable price considering the quality components and construction.
The Verdict: This cabinet may cost more than IKEA versions but offers heirloom-level quality to justify the spend. Not the cheapest option but one of the best values for a handcrafted accent piece.
Customer Favorite #3: Thestatement Workhorse Malcolm DeskBamboo Top e its tapered legs and cushy seat check all the boxes for $950. I recommend layering a cozy throw over top to mitigate cushion sagging over time.
The Verdict: The Frances & Son Windsor armchair nails evenly balanced comfort and midcentury modern allure to become a bestselling staple. Just don’t expect it to withstand roughhousing long term.
Customer Favorite #2: The Elegant Clarita Cabinet
Dimensions: 31 W x 35 H x 16 D (inches)\
Weight: 99 lbs \
Frame: Mango wood\
Fronts: Cane woven drawer fronts
The artfully crafted Clarita cabinet demonstrates quality craftsmanship with its unique woven cane drawer fronts. Between the texture and organic woodgrain, it evokes California casual blended with Scandinavian minimalism – the quintessential Frances & Son combo.
Don’t let the airy facade fool you though – the cabinet itself construted from solid mango wood. It ships securely bolted together to retain structural rigidity in transit. Each woven panel installs securely into routed out frames, showcasing fine attention to detail.
With smooth metal runners, all three drawers open and close with ease. Inside they feature durable wood laminate bottoms that can withstand daily use and abuse. The cabinet itself feels reassuringly sturdy and level atop its four block feet.
Its lighter wood finish does tend to show scuffs and scratches more readily compared to darker stains. However, that‘s the tradeoff for a lighter, brighter, beachy vibe. Just take care to use coasters and avoid kicking or bumping the base.
At $1300 including free delivery, the Clarita cabinet adds warmth and texture for a reasonable price considering the quality components and construction.
The Verdict: This cabinet may cost more than IKEA versions but offers heirloom-level quality to justify the spend. It‘s not the cheapest option but one of the best values for a handcrafted accent piece.
Customer Favorite #3: The Statement Workhorse Malcolm Desk
Dimensions: 59” W x 30” H x 23” D\
Weight: 88 lbs\
Top: Bamboo\
Frame: Walnut\
Drawers: Soft-close, dove grey
For those working from home, a quality desk makes all the difference between organization and chaos. The Malcolm option becomes a sophisticated statement in any home office without demanding a C-suite budget.
Crafted from FSC certified bamboo and walnut solids, it makes environmental responsibility sexy with its warm finish and grain variation. The wide depth and functional drawers provide plenty of workspace and storage.
The bamboo surface withstands heat and spills surprisingly well despite lacking a protective resin coat. Just be sure to use desk pads and coasters religiously. Its smooth surface actually makes wiping grime and dirt easier compared to more porous wood types.
Assembly requires two sets of hands for stair-stepping the frame together but otherwise straightforward with an included Allen wrench. All parts arrive neatly packaged without damage thanks to thick foam padding. The 59” width accommodates multiple monitors while the soft-close drawers prevent sounds reverberating when closed firmly.
For the $999 sale price including delivery, the desk presents a professional yet welcoming vibe for work-from-home situations or small office settings. The quality rivals $2000+ versions from Restoration Hardware.
The Verdict: Investing just under $1000 in the Frances & Son Malcolm desk nets a high-end workspace aesthetic and generous proportions perfect for lake-facing laptopping.
How Frances & Son Stacks Up to Competitors
Now that we’ve assessed a few bestselling pieces, how does Frances and Son compare to rivals in the direct-to-consumer furniture space? I break down pros, cons and differentiating factors against 4 top competitors below:
VS Article
Pricing: Similar
Quality: Comparable
Style: More classic than modern Article
Frances & Son furniture edge out Article slightly on materials and construction thanks to their focus on fine details like beveled edges and metal joinery. Article wins for budget-friendliness though with more options under $500. Both straddle the line between affordable and premium.
VS Joybird
Pricing: Frances & Son more affordable
Quality: Comparable
Style: More sleek and contemporary than Joybird
The two brands offer similar custom pieces with excellent warranties and service. Frances and Son furniture pull ahead for those wanting a more muted palette and modern silhouettes. Expect to pay 10-25% more buying through Joybird.
VS West Elm
Pricing: West Elm pricier on average
Quality: Frances & Son use better materials
Style: Overlapping modern and mid-century focus
West Elm tempts with a larger range of products but frequently falter on durability compared to Frances & Son‘s focus on structure and upholstery quality. Expect to replace West Elm items faster while paying 20% more.
VS IKEA
Pricing: Significantly less expensive
Quality: Lower quality materials
Style: More playful and colorful aesthetic
While IKEA wins for outfitting rooms on a modest budget, longevity and material quality fail to compare. Those wanting furniture as a long-term investment are better served by Frances & Son. You get what you pay for – but IKEA‘s value is tough to beat.
5 Key Takeaways on Frances And Son Furniture
After months of hands-on use, user interviews and competitor comparisons, what are the core things shoppers should know about Frances and Son?
Quality Materials and Construction – Natural wood solids, durable textiles and precision metal hardware confirm investment in high-quality components able to withstand everyday living.
Midcentury Modern Aesthetic – The streamlined low profiles and tapered legs recall retro influences while feeling completely fresh. Warm wood tones and woven textures exude organic charm.
Short Track Record, Good Warranties – Just 5 years since launch, Frances & Son lack a longevity record but back products with strong standard and extended warranty options to provide peace of mind on larger purchases.
Free White Glove Delivery – Simplify setup with free in-home assembly and room placement for large items like sectionals and dining tables. Helpful for tricky furniture maneuvering.
Price Vs Value Spot On – While not the absolute most affordable, Frances & Son prices stay reasonable relative to the quality craftsmanship and materials. Sales up to 20% off sweeten deals further.
I heartily endorse Frances & Son for blending just the right ratio of style, function and approachability. Their pieces truly elevate a living space while remaining unintimidating to actually use. If their uncluttered urban design ethos speaks your language, I predict their furniture will continue sparking joy as a long-term fixture in your home for years to come.
Thanks for taking my hand (virtually) on this guided tour of my personal experience with Frances & Son products. Hopefully you feel armed with the insider details you need to finalize a purchase suited to your space and lifestyle!
Charlotte McKenzie
Home Furnishings Reviewer
